No. 115.] 43 
ance, and seemed to be struggling for existence. A close inspec. 
tion showed that many of them were affected by a parasitic fungus, 
Uromyces Polygent. On one side of this patch, and continuous 
with it, was one composed of taller, more healthy looking plants, 
These were entirely free from the fungus, thus indicating that the 
weakness of the plants in one patch had favored the development 
of the disease, while the strength of the plants in the other had 
resisted it. It might be said by the supporters of the other claim 
that the dwarfed and weak condition of the affected plants was dne 
to the presence of the fungus and not the predisposing cause of its 
presence. To one accustomed to observe this fungus, such an 
assertion would carry but little weight. But if we should admit 
the truth of this assertion, how should we explain the presence of 
the dwarf but unattacked plants in this patch ? 
In low ground near the lake shore at Port Henry, were numerous 
seedling plants, apparently of the discoid tickseed, Coreopsis 
discoidea. This ground had been overflowed in time of high water, 
and when the water receded it left numerous heaps of small sticks, 
bits of bark and other floodwood. Many of the seedling tickseeds 
were growing on these heaps of rubbish where there was little or 
no soil to afford nutriment to their roots. Others were growing on 
the ground about them, having their roots imbedded in and 
nourished by the soil. The plants growing on the floodwood were 
in many instances infested by a parasitic fungus, Peronospora 
Hlalstedii ; but not a single affected plant could be found among 
those whose roots were in the soil. In this case the better 
nourished plants had escaped infection, although as much exposed 
to it as their less favored companions. Possibly there may be 
eases in which plants are liable to the attacks of parasitic fungi, no 
matter how strong and vigorous they may be, but it is-clear that 
this cannot be a rule without exceptions. Instances are not want- 
ing to show a greater susceptibility to attack in weak than in 
strong and well fed plants. Those who are accustomed to collect 
specimens of parasitic fungi soon learn, almost unconsciously, to 
look for them, either among feeble and starved plants or among 
those of unusually rank and luxuriant growth. 
Very respectfully submitted, 
CHAS. H. PECK, 
Axpany, December 15, 1886. 
